CLERK, Jolts, of Eldin, Mid-Lothian, Scotland, inventor of the modern British sys tem of breaking the enemy's line at sea, was the 6th son of sir John Clerk of Penicuiek, hart. Though not a naval man, he studied deeply both the theory and practice of naval tactics, and in 1779 communicated to his friends a new maneuver for " breaking the enemy's line" in a naval battle. Visiting London the following year, he had sonic con ferences on the subject with naval officers, among whom was sir Charles Douglas, lord Rodney's captain of the fleet in the memorable action of April12, 1782, when the experi ment was tried for the first time, and a decisive victory gained over the French. The _ principle was adopted by all British admirals, and led to many signal naval victories. In 1782, C. primed 50 copies of his Essay on Naval Theties, for private distribution among his friends. It was reprinted and published in 1790; the 2d, 3d, and 4th parts were added in 1797; and the work was republished entire in 1604, with a preface explaining the origin of hiS.discoVeries. The maneuver was claimed. by sir Howard
Douglas for his father, admiral sir Charles Douglas, but C.'s right to it is indisputable. He died May 10, 1812.—His son, JOIIN CLERK (lord Eldin), an eminent Scottish judge, born in April, 1757, was educated for the profession of the law, and in 17S5, was admitted advocate. Distinguished for great clearness of perception and admirable powers of reasoning. he many years the largest practice at the Scottish bar, and in 1823 was raisn. to the bench, when he assumed the judicial title of lord Eldin. He possessed a quaint sarcastic humor, and a coarse but ready wit, which, with his lameness and other bodily peculiarities, rendered him one of the most remarkable Edinburgh characters of his time. He died in that city in June, 1832.